Mission Statement

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is responsible for the administration and interpretation of the student code of conduct and facilitates the resolution of instances of student misconduct reported by members of the University Community. In addition, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities serves as a universal starting point for students who need assistance in exploring and addressing their concerns and grievances pertaining to university departments, faculty, staff, or other students.

Office Services

Student Advocacy Services

Student Crisis Support and Advocacy Services exists to help guide you through personal challenges you may encounter during your time at Roosevelt that may conflict with your ability to be a successful student. Whether you are dealing with issues of crime victimization, safety and security, health emergencies, family issues, or interpersonal concerns, we are here to advocate for your needs. Please contact us if you need assistance at osrr@roosevelt.edu

Student Conduct Checks

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities record check is a letter of clearance that verifies you, as a current or former Roosevelt student, have not violated any university policies or been subject to any disciplinary actions or proceedings. These requests are typically required by graduate and professional schools, state bar associations, government agencies, or independent agencies when applying for admission or employment. If you are a current or former Roosevelt University student, or an investigator completing a background check, please bring or submit your request to our office for completion.

Our office MUST receive a signed waiver from the student that allows us to share educational records in order to complete a discipline check. On most institutional forms, there is a section that the student is asked to sign for this purpose. If you need a separate waiver form, please download the student conduct waiver form.

If you are a current or former student who needs to have an Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities certification or conduct record check completed, of if you are an investigator completing a background check, please bring or send the form to be completed to our office via email at: osrr@roosevelt.edu

Conflict Coaching

This is a one on one discussion between Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities staff member a student in conflict with another who is unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue. The goal is to identify the resolution approach that best meets the student’s interests and needs.

Conflict Mediation

Mediation is a process guided by Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities staff where two parties in conflict meet to discuss a mutually beneficial resolution. This is achieved by clearly identify each party’s interests, needs, and resolution options. Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities staff may provide suggestions or recommendations. A written agreement will result, and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities staff member will follow up with all parties to ensure it is being fulfilled.

About Our Office

Authority and Scope

The Student Code of Conduct is recognized as the standard process for handling incidents of student misconduct. The Code is independent from and may be implemented in addition to any other university documentation, policies or processes which may exist and relates to matters of student behavior. This Code governs all students who are registered at Roosevelt University at all campus locations, including online, and applies to both on-campus and off-campus conduct. In particular, off-campus behaviors that may impact the University or educational environment in any way fall under this Code. All Codes within the Student Code of Conduct are in accordance with University Policies.A student’s withdrawal from the University does not preclude the completion of the misconduct process and resulting disciplinary action.

The Student Code of Conduct and Public Law

Students continue to be subject to city, state, and federal laws while at the University and violations of those laws may also constitute violations of this Policy. In such instances, the University may proceed with disciplinary action under this policy whether or not civil or criminal proceedings have been instituted against the student and may impose sanctions for violations of the policy independent of any criminal or civil penalties that may be ordered. Any proceedings initiated through the University’s Student Code of Conduct will not be abandoned or withdrawn solely on the grounds that the criminal or civil charges have been dismissed or reduced, nor will the disciplinary proceedings be delayed pending the outcome of the criminal/civil charges.The student code of conduct is subject to changes and updates.

Retaliation

Roosevelt University prohibits retaliation. Any inappropriate or unsubstantiated action taken or threatened against another individual because the individual has, in good faith, made an allegation or has participated in any manner with an investigation is prohibited.

Student Code of Conduct

Misconduct for which students are subjected to discipline includes, but is not limited to the following:

Academic dishonesty such as cheating, using unauthorized material on examinations, submitting the same paper for different classes without acknowledgement, the fabrication of information or making up sources, improper collaboration and plagiarism(*);

Forgery, alteration, or misuse of University identification, records or documents; or knowingly furnishing false information to the University, or knowingly benefitting from false information provided to the University by you or others;

Obstruction or disruption of the learning environment, University community, or of other University activities or functions;

Physical altercations, intentionally inflicting bodily harm upon any person; taking any action for the purpose of inflicting physical harm upon any person; taking reckless action that results in physical harm to any person; taking any action that creates a substantial risk of physical harm to any person; or threatening by any means of transmission the use of force to physically harm or injure any person;

Harassment; verbal or written threats, coercion or any other conduct that by design, intent or recklessness places another individual in reasonable fear of physical harm through words or actions directed at that person, or creates a hostile environment in which others are unable reasonably to conduct or participate in work, education, research, living, or other activities, including but not limited to stalking, cyber-stalking, and racial harassment;

Smoking in all forms, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah, cigars, or vaporizers;

Theft of or damage to University property or the property of any other person;

Unauthorized entry to or use of University facilities;

Violation of University policies or campus regulations, including campus regulations concerning the registration of student organizations; the use of University facilities; or of the time, place, and manner of public expression;

Failure to comply with directions of University officials acting in the performance of their duties;

Conduct which adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community;

Drug Violations:

Use, possession, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or any other controlled substance which is prohibited by law; intentionally or recklessly inhaling or ingesting substances (e.g., nitrous oxide, glue, paint, etc.) that will alter a student’s mental state;

Use of a prescription drug if the prescription was not issued to the student, or the distribution or sale of a prescription drug to a person to whom the prescription was not originally issued, or use of a prescription drug in any way not prescribed by a medical professional;

Possession of drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to bongs, glass pipes, hookahs or any makeshift paraphernalia constructed for the purpose of using drugs;

Alcohol Violations:

Underage possession or consumption;

Being in the presence of alcohol while under the legal age of 21, if you are not an occupant of a room where someone 21 or over lives;

Public intoxication; appearing at a University activity or on the University campus in a state of intoxication;

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substance; operation of a motor vehicle while impaired or with a blood alcohol or breath alcohol level at or above the applicable legal limit;

Distribution or sale of alcoholic beverage to any person under 21;

Possession of common source containers, possession or use of kegs, mini kegs, beer balls or other common source containers of alcoholic beverages such as trash cans, tubs or similar containers of alcohol, when such possession or use occurs on campus, in the housing of any University organization or group, or in connection with a University activity;

Excessive rapid consumption; regardless of the ages of those involved, facilitating, arranging, or participating in any extreme alcohol consumption activity that constitutes, facilitates, or encourages competitive, rapid or excessive consumption of alcohol when such activity occurs on campus, in the housing of any University organization or group, or in connection with a University activity;

Possession or use of alcohol apparatuses with an intended use of excessive consumption and/or high risk drinking

Hazing: Roosevelt University acts in accordance with the Illinois Hazing Act.

Any action or situation that recklessly, by design or intent, endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for any purpose including but not limited to initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student group or organization. In such an instance, hazing occurs if an individual or group:

Causes or attempts to cause physical injury or other harm to a student including but not limited to emotional distress, or engages in any conduct which presents a threat to the student’s health or safety, which shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, alcohol, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical or physical and mental health or safety of the student, and any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced sexual conduct, and forced exclusion from social contact;

Engages in an action or activity which has a tendency to or which is intended to demean, disgrace, humiliate, or degrade a student, which shall include but not be limited to, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student;

Conduct that by design, intent or recklessness causes a student to be unable reasonably to pursue, or interferes with or attempts to interfere with a student’s academic schedule or performance; or causes, induces, pressures, coerces, or requires a student to violate the law or to violate any provision of University regulations;

In response to allegations of hazing under this regulation it is not a defense that:

The victim gave consent to the conduct;

The conduct was not part of an official organizational event or sanctioned or approved by the organization;

The conduct was not done as a condition of membership in the organization;

The storage, possession, or use of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or weapons of any kind, including replicas or facsimiles, anywhere on campus; (Students who are deputized law enforcement officers and are legally qualified to carry firearms may do so while on-campus after checking in with security, and if their presence does not constitute a disruption as defined under Code #3);

Biased motivated behavior and/or the use of derogatory language intentionally or unintentionally used to target an individual, group or the university community;

University guests or visitors must adhere to all policies and procedures established by the University. Behavior of guests or visitors is the responsibility of the host; allowing a guest or visitor to violate the Student Code of Conduct and/or other University policies is prohibited.Obstruction or interference with the Conduct Process, including failure to schedule or appear at a hearing, violating and/or failure to complete conduct sanctions;

Obstruction or interference with the Conduct Process, including failure to schedule or appear at a hearing, violating and/or failure to complete conduct sanctions;

The assistance or encouragement of others to commit violations of the Code or failure to report violations.

Violation of any other University policy communicated via the Student Handbook, University Departments, or other University authorized entities.

The University reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community. Such action may include taking conduct action against those students whose behavior off University premises constitutes a violation of this Code.

Academic Misconduct Process

The University faculty must report academic integrity violation to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Office, either informally or formally. Informal reporting will not be included on the student’s official University conduct record. Instead, the report will be kept in a tracking system for purposes of noting and responding to patterns of academic dishonesty. Formal reporting will result in the initiation of the Formal Misconduct Process, notation of the violation in the students official conduct record and the application of a sanction(s) ranging from a written warning, probation, suspension, to expulsion and possibly combined with restorative justice and/or educational sanctions.

Initiation of a Misconduct Report

Any person may file a misconduct report against a student for an alleged violation of the Code. Any student who is alleged to have violated the Student Code of Conduct, will be referred to as the “respondent(s)”. Any party who reports that a student has violated the Code of Conduct, will be referred to as the “complainant(s).” For incidents that do not happen in the Residence Halls, incidents may be reported in one of two ways: submit a Misconduct Report Form or fill out an Incident Report Form with Campus Security. It is encouraged to submit a report as soon as possible following an incident. In the case of incidents or reports within the Residence Halls, Residence Life staff members are responsible for taking the report and submitting it to be reviewed by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) for conduct action.

Review by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities shall review any report and assign a case manager. Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will decide on a method of resolution that best fits the alleged violation(s).

In any method of resolution, the reporting person, student cited for a violation, or witnesses may be requested to meet with the assigned case manager for an initial conference or formal misconduct hearing. For any method of resolution, students will be notified of meetings through an official delivery method of the University, which will usually be the RU student email account. Failure to claim notification will not negate the student’s obligations under this procedure. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the case manager who sent them an email to set up an appointment with that case manager. The appointment needs to be set within three (3) business days after the notice has been sent, barring any scheduling difficulties with the case manager. Upon their discretion, the case manager may allow for more time if they are unavailable to meet within the three (3) business day period. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate immediately if the designated time will not work due to a legitimate reason. If the student fails to notify the case manager of any conflicts and/or fails to attend either the initial conference or formal misconduct hearing the case manager or Student Conduct Board may proceed with the misconduct resolution process described below, and based upon the review of the report, a decision may be made in absentia.After the initial conference and subsequent formal misconduct hearing, the case manager or Student Conduct Board will decide whether a violation of the Student Code of Conduct has occurred. If it is found that the Student Code of Conduct has been violated, an appropriate sanction may be applied by the case manager or Student Conduct Board.Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities may at any time temporarily suspend, ban or deny re-admission to a student, pending final resolution, when they believe that the presence of the student on campus could seriously disrupt the University; constitute a danger to the health, safety or welfare of the University, its members or the student; or when the student’s conduct adversely affects the students suitability as a member of the academic community.

The purpose of Conflict Management techniques is to address disagreements, arguments, or discord between students and faculty or staff, in a way that uses facilitated dialogue. Self-reflection will be encouraged in all sessions. Any student called to attend a Conflict Management session will be expected to participate fully and cooperate with the case managers requests. If a student does not attend the session or does not participate or cooperate, the student may be subject to the formal misconduct process.

Acceptance of Responsibility Resolution Process

The Acceptance of Responsibility Resolution Process is only administered for low level violations of the Student Code of Conduct, specifically guest, noise, identification, and health and safety cleanliness violations. When Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities receives an incident report alleging one of the above mentioned policy violations, the student(s) involved will be sent an Acceptance of Responsibility Allegation Notification. Students may choose to forego a formal hearing by accepting responsibility for the alleged violation. To accept responsibility, the student must reply back to the case manager via e-mail with the following statement, “I accept responsibility for the alleged violation(s).” If the student fails to reply back to the notification within five (5) business days, the case will automatically be sent through the Administrative Hearing Misconduct Resolution Process. If the student instead wishes to have an Administrative Hearing, they can respond to the notification by saying that they do not accept responsibility and an Initial Conference will be scheduled by the Case Manager. If the student chooses to accept responsibility for the cited violation(s), a written warning will be issued as a sanction. Any student who chooses to accept responsibility for the cited violations under this process waives their right to appeal, and acknowledges the finality of the outcome and sanction.

Procedures for resolution through the Administrative Hearing Misconduct Resolution Process

Initial Conference

The purpose of the initial conference is to inform the student of their rights under the Student Code of Conduct, to explain the student misconduct process, and to allow the cited student the opportunity to view the incident report and any evidence that has been gathered by the case manager at the time of the meeting. During the initial conference, any student who has been alleged to have violated the Code of Conduct will have the right to request a Student Conduct Board hearing be held in place of an administrative hearing. If this option for resolution is selected, the case manager will forward the case back to Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for further processing. The respondents will be shown a copy of the incident report during the meeting(s). The student may not keep a copy of this incident report.Any student called to an initial conference may bring an advisor for support, however, the case manager must be notified at least 2 business days in advance. An advisor will only be allowed to confer with their advisee. No advisor may speak at any time in place of the student. The Case Manager reserves the right to exclude an advisor from the conduct proceedings for failure to abide by these guidelines. Students called to an initial conference may be the complainant, the respondent, or witnesses to the incident. The case manager may call witnesses at her/his discretion in order to support fact finding in the resolution of the misconduct process.

Waiver of 3 day notice for Formal Misconduct Hearing

Students have the right to at least three (3) business days’ notice after their initial conference before their formal misconduct hearing can begin. A respondent can waive the right to their three (3) business days’ notice by signing a waiver at the conclusion of their initial conference. By signing this waiver, the respondent is consenting to immediately begin their formal misconduct hearing and is therefore waiving their right to the additional three (3) business days’ notice.2. Formal Misconduct HearingFollowing the period of fact finding, the respondent will receive a secondary notification in writing (unless a waiver was signed) to attend a separate formal misconduct hearing with the case manager assigned to the case no less than three (3) business days after the initial conference. The purpose of the formal misconduct hearing is to hear the side of the story as provided by the respondent for a violation of the code of conduct, and for the student to view the incident report and any evidence that has been gathered by the case manager at the time of the meeting. The student may not keep a copy of this incident report.Any student called to a formal misconduct hearing may bring an advisor for support, however, the case manager must be notified at least 2 business days in advance. An advisor will only be allowed to confer with their advisee. No advisor may speak at any time in place of the student. The Case Manager reserves the right to exclude an advisor from the hearing proceedings for failure to abide by these guidelines.3. ResolutionAfter facilitation of the formal misconduct hearing the case manager shall have the authority to act on the University’s behalf in determining whether a violation has taken place and imposing sanctions if necessary. The case manager shall state the decision in writing to the respondent whether or not the student is found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct. The case manager will make a determination that will be made in accordance with the preponderance of the evidence standard.(*) Academic dishonesty charges follow a separate process under the Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

Formal Misconduct Hearing

Following the period of fact finding, the respondent will receive a secondary notification in writing (unless a waiver was signed) to attend a separate formal misconduct hearing with the case manager assigned to the case no less than three (3) business days after the initial conference. The purpose of the formal misconduct hearing is to hear the side of the story as provided by the respondent for a violation of the code of conduct, and for the student to view the incident report and any evidence that has been gathered by the case manager at the time of the meeting. The student may not keep a copy of this incident report. Any student called to a formal misconduct hearing may bring an advisor for support, however, the case manager must be notified at least 2 business days in advance. An advisor will only be allowed to confer with their advisee. No advisor may speak at any time in place of the student. The Case Manager reserves the right to exclude an advisor from the hearing proceedings for failure to abide by these guidelines.

Recording of Hearings

Administrative and Student Conduct Board hearings may be recorded. The purpose of the recording is to have the most accurate information to review at the time of deliberation and determination of findings, specifically for incidents that may result in suspension or expulsion. However, the Case Manager may use their discretion and record other hearing types as well. All recordings are the property of Roosevelt University and are available for review, by all parties involved, upon request. Recordings will be made available to appellate officers if the resulting outcome of a case is appealed. Release of this recording to third parties will only be granted if court ordered or subpoenaed.

Resolution

After facilitation of the formal misconduct hearing the case manager shall have the authority to act on the University’s behalf in determining whether a violation has taken place and imposing sanctions if necessary. The case manager shall state the decision in writing to the respondent whether or not the student is found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct. The case manager will make a determination that will be made in accordance with the preponderance of the evidence standard.
(*) Academic dishonesty charges follow a separate process under the Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

Assignment of a Case to the Student Conduct Board

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities assigns the case directly to the Student Conduct Board because of the nature of the allegation(s)

A respondent, who was assigned to have their case heard through the Administrative Hearing process, chooses to have their case sent to the Student Conduct Board during their initial conference

Initial Conference

The purpose of the initial conference is to inform the respondent of their rights under the Student Code of Conduct, to explain the Student Conduct Board hearing misconduct process, share the members of the Student Conduct Board who will serve on the panel, and to allow them the opportunity to view the incident report and any evidence that has been gathered by the case manager at the time of the meeting. This meeting will be held with the student’s assigned case manager. A copy of the incident report will be shown in a hard copy version during the meeting(s). The student may not keep a copy of this incident report.Any student called to an initial conference may bring an advisor for support, however, the case manager must be notified at least 2 business days in advance. An advisor will only be allowed to confer with their advisee. No advisor may speak at any time in place of the student. The Case Manager reserves the right to exclude an advisor from the hearing proceedings for failure to abide by these guidelines. Students called to an initial conference may be the reporting person, the student cited, or witnesses to the incident. The case manager may call witnesses at her/his discretion in order to support fact finding in the resolution of the misconduct process.Students who participate in the Student Conduct Board Misconduct Process will not have the option of waiving their right to the three (3) business days’ notice between the initial conference and formal Conduct Board Hearing.

Student Conduct Board Hearing Procedures

Hearing Guidelines: Conduct Board hearings are non-adversarial, fact finding proceedings. It is the responsibility of the hearing Board to ask all relevant questions, to determine the relevance of all materials, to make decisions based on the materials, and to impose sanctions where appropriate.

Composition of a Student Conduct Board Hearing: The Student Conduct Board Hearing Panel will be made up of either three (3) or five (5) members. If a respondent is concerned about the ability of a Board member to act impartially, they can request that the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Case Manager review the fitness of the particular Panel member to hear their case during the Initial Conference. The role of the Case Manager in the SCB Hearing is to ensure that the Panel follows the process set forth in this document, clarify any questions about the policies and procedures, and to provide consultation on available sanctions. The Case Manager will not have a vote in determining if the respondent has violated the Code of Conduct.

Notice of Hearings: The respondent, complainant, and witnesses shall be given notice in writing and/or electronic form no less than three (3) business days prior to the date and time of the conduct hearing. All RU faculty, staff, and student notifications will be sent to their RU e-mail address.

Privacy of Hearings: All Conduct Board hearings will be closed to protect the privacy of the respondent(s). Only those individuals who have been invited to participate in the hearing (Panel members, case manager, respondent, complainant, advisors, and witnesses) are allowed to be present during the proceedings. Witnesses will be allowed to be present only when they are providing their statements to the board. Admission of any other person to the hearing will be at the discretion of the Case Manager.

Advisors: The respondent, complainant, and witnesses may be accompanied by an advisor in a student conduct board hearing. However, the Case Manager, must be notified at least 2 business days in advance of the meeting, and the advisor may not participate in the meeting in any way. An advisor will only be allowed to confer with their advisee. No advisor may speak at any time in place of the student. The Case Manager reserves the right to exclude an advisor from the hearing proceedings for failure to abide by these guidelines.

Witnesses: The respondent or complainant may arrange for witnesses to present pertinent information to the Panel. Unless called by Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, it will be the responsibility of the respondent or complainant to arrange for the attendance of their respective witnesses at the hearing. Witnesses shall provide information about the incident and answer questions from the Panel. Witnesses will be excluded from the hearing until called and will only be present for their testimony, unless circumstances require a modification as fundamental fairness requires.

Hearing Format: Hearings will follow the sequence below. Modifications to this order may be made at the discretion of the Case Manager to accommodate special circumstances. The hearing is not conducted as a court proceeding, therefore the State and Federal rules of evidence do not apply.

Reading of Cited Violations
The Case Manager will convene the hearing by reading the alleged violation(s) and requesting that all persons present state their identity for the record.

Opening Remarks
The complainant and the respondent may each make opening remarks for the purpose of providing the Panel with a short summary of information regarding the complaint and the materials to be presented. The statement of both parties will not exceed 10 minutes. If a case has no complainant, this right is reserved for the respondent. If there is both a respondent and complainant, the complainant will provide their opening remarks first. (This order will be followed in all subsequent sections of this policy, except for cases where no complainant is present)

Presentation of Information
The complainant will first present any information they believe to be relevant (i.e. witnesses, witness statements, documents, photos, written reports, objects related to the incident) followed by the respondent. The Case Manager, at their discretion, may deem any piece of information irrelevant to the proceedings and may bar its consideration by the Panel.

Questioning
After each participant has presented their information, the Panel will be given the opportunity to ask any relevant questions they may have. When the Panel has completed their questions, the complainant and respondent may then pose pre-approved questions, through the Case Manager. Any questions that the respondent or complainant have for the other party must be submitted no later than one (1) business day prior to the hearing. These questions must be submitted in a word document to osrr@roosevelt.edu. If questions are not submitted within the time outlined, that party will not be allowed to ask questions of the other party unless authorized by the case manager. Any questions posed by the Panel or by participants should be relevant to the conduct proceedings. The Case Manager will determine if the question is relevant and should be answered.

Final Remarks
The complainant and respondent will each be given an opportunity to make final remarks. The final remarks should be a short summary of the materials and statements presented, and should not exceed five (5) minutes.

Closed Conference
After all information is presented in a SCB Hearing, the Panel shall determine whether the accused student is found “responsible” or “not responsible” for each alleged violation. The Board will deliberate the policy violations and sanctions in private, with consultation from the Case Manager. The determination shall be made by majority vote of the Panel. The Panel’s determination shall be made in accordance with the preponderance of the evidence standard. If the Panel makes a “responsible” determination, they will move on to the sanctioning phase of the deliberation process. The Panel will be given the respondents previous conduct history and will consider any sanctions imposed on the student in the past, in determining what sanctions should be applied. A majority vote is required to issue a sanction. Each member of the Panel will have one vote. The deliberations of the Panel will not be recorded.The case manager reserves the right to modify the decision of the Panel in the interest of fundamental fairness if a finding or sanction is grossly disproportionate to the weight of the evidence or violation cited.

Notification of Decision
The Case Manager will notify the accused student, in writing, within two (2) business days after the deliberation. Notification will be sent to the students RU email address.

Record of Hearings: Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will maintain a record of the hearing which may be in the form of a written summary of the proceedings or an audio recording. Only Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities may audio record the hearing. Any party involved is welcome to take notes during the hearing process, but audio or video recordings by the parties are not allowed. Deliberations shall not be recorded. Conduct case records are only shared in accordance with FERPA and other University records policies.

Failure to Attend a Student Conduct Board Hearing: It is the responsibility of the respondent to attend the scheduled hearing. If the student fails to notify the Case Manager of any conflicts and/or fails to attend the hearing, the Student Conduct Board may proceed with the misconduct resolution process in their absence. Based upon the review of the report, a decision may be made in absentia.

Amendments to the Misconduct Resolution Process

During specific times of the academic year, the Misconduct Resolution Process will be modified. If a student is documented, during finals week, for violating the Student Code of Conduct the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will contact them, within 24 business hours, to schedule an appointment. This meeting will include both the Initial Conference and Formal Misconduct Hearing. During this time students will not have the right to 3 business days in between each meeting, as outlined above. This temporary change is implemented during finals week to prevent unresolved incidents at the end of each academic semester.

Instances in which students are incapable of attending the Formal Misconduct Hearing, (due to personal matters such as hospitalization) a determination will be made in their absence
and communicated via their Roosevelt email. However, the appeal process will be altered and extended to a specific date determined by the case manager.

Hearings Adjudicated via Electronic Conferencing (E-conferencing)

Circumstances may arise that inhibit a student from attending a conduct meeting in person. As a result, Case Manager(s) may offer to host the meeting via telephone or video conference. All students’ rights remain and the Case Manager may use e-mail communication during different stages of the process, such as completing the Misconduct Resolution Checklist, to ensure proper procedural due process. If a student is granted a hearing via e-conference, the student waives the right to have their case heard by the Student Conduct Board. E-conference hearings are granted at the sole discretion of the Case Manager, students may not opt in to a hearing via e-conference.

Student Organization Code and Misconduct Process

STUDENT ORGANIZATION CODE DEFINED

Statement

Roosevelt University (RU) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, educational learning environment for all students, staff and faculty. Student Organizations with behavior inconsistent with the RU’s Student Organization Code of Conduct will be addressed through the misconduct process and adjudicated via the Student Conduct Board. Outlined below are unacceptable behavior(s) that could result in disciplinary action.

Factors that will be considered when making a determination of responsibility include, but are not limited to the following:

The behavior/actions were committed by one or more officers or authorized representative(s) of the organization

The actions committed were condoned by the majority of the organizations members

The actions committed were in connection with an event hosted, publicized or advertised by the organization or group

The actions were a result of a policy or practice of the organization

The action(s) were committed by a member who otherwise would not have been involved with the situation if it were not for their affiliation with the organization and/ or group

The policies listed below are to be followed by all organizations and groups, whether registered or recognized by RU. If violated, the organization and/or individuals will be subject to disciplinary action, which will vary based on the circumstances of the particular incident.

Alcohol - Student organizations/groups are responsible for following the alcohol policy set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. Student organizations/groups will be found in violation of the alcohol policy if there are individuals under the age of 21 consuming alcohol at any activity or event sponsored by said organization.

Falsification of Information - Forgery, alteration, or misuse of organization identification, records, or documents, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University and/or Center for student Involvement.

Failure to Comply -

Failure to comply with requests of University officials acting in their professional/official capacity.

Failure to follow all policies listed in this document, Center for Student Involvement Resource Manual, Student Organization Manual, Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct.

Guests - Organizations and groups are responsible for the behavior of their guest and are responsible for informing all guests of said policies and procedures.

Hazing - Roosevelt University acts in accordance with the Illinois Hazing Act. Any action or situation that recklessly, by design or intent, endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for any purpose including but not limited to initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student group or organization. In such an instance, hazing occurs if an individual or group:

Causes or attempts to cause physical injury or other harm to a student including but not limited to emotional distress, or engages in any conduct which presents a threat to the student’s health or safety, which shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, alcohol, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical or physical and mental health or safety of the student, and any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced sexual conduct, and forced exclusion from social contact;

Engages in an action or activity which has a tendency to or which is intended to demean, disgrace, humiliate, or degrade a student, which shall include but not be limited to, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student;

Conduct that by design, intent or recklessness causes a student to be unable reasonably to pursue, or interferes with or attempts to interfere with a student’s academic schedule or performance; or causes, induces, pressures, coerces, or requires a student to violate the law or to violate any provision of University regulations.

In response to allegations of hazing under this regulation it is not a defense that

The victim gave consent to the conduct;

The conduct was not part of an official organizational event or sanctioned or approved by the organization;

The conduct was not done as a condition of membership in the organization;

Misuse/Damage of Property - Willful or careless misuse or damage to University property, not limited to destruction, defacement, or tampering.

Obstruction of University Activities - Obstruction or disruption of the learning environment, University community, or of other University activities or functions.

Physical Violence - Behavior that threatens the safety of student, staff, faculty or guests is strictly prohibited, including physical abuse, threats, and intimidation

Posting and Advertising - Postings and advertisements without proper CSI approval is prohibited.

Protest/Demonstration - Expression and/or opposition of an event, department, organization, etc. must be done in accordance with Campus Safety’s Student Occupations Policy. All behaviors demonstrated to express discontent should not disrupt the learning environment, nor should they prevent any other RU sanctioned programs or events from taking place.

Sexual Misconduct - All instances of sexual misconduct (sexual assault, harassment, stalking, etc.) are strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy will be adjudicated separately through Roosevelt’s Title IX investigation process. Here is a link to Roosevelt University’s Sexual Misconduct website

In addition to the policy outlined above, student organizations are expected to abide by the policies outlined in the Resource Manual by the Center for Student Involvement. Additionally, Greek Letter Organizations must follow the guidelines and policies stated in this policy, SAFAC policies, and Greek Community Relationship Statement. Failure to do so may result in the initiation of the Student Organization Misconduct Process.

Sanctions

SANCTIONS FOR THE VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

When a student is found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, they may be assigned a sanction. Sanctions are dependent on which policy or policies were violated, to what degree they were violated, and the student’s prior conduct history. Sanctions may also be tailored to fit the needs of a specific student or group of students. Students will be allotted a specific amount of time to complete sanctions. If a student has a viable excuse as to why they could not finish their sanction in time, an extension may be issued. Failure to complete sanctions may lead to more disciplinary actions. Examples of possible sanctions include:

Individual Disciplinary Sanctions

Formal written warning - A university warning is assigned as official notice to a student that their behavior was inappropriate and in violation with the Student Code of Conduct. Warnings should only be issued for minor violations.

Referral to university office - University Office Referrals are sanctioned to students whose actions are in direct relation to dissonance they may be experiencing with a specific area related to the university.

Educational Sanctioning - Educational sanctions include but is not limited to an event, workshop, special project, or community service hours. The purpose of this sanction is to provide the student with an experience in which they can reflect on their actions, identity the harm or potential harm caused to themselves and/or community, and explore how they could identify alternative behaviors, in line with the Student Code of Conduct, in the future.

Financial Restitution – Financial Restitution is monetary compensation required of students who have taken, misused, damaged, or destroyed University, public or private property or services. Amounts charged to students may include cost of repair, replace, recover, clean or otherwise account for the property or services affected.

Loss of privileges - Student who engage in misconduct may temporarily or permanently lose privileges they once were afforded as a student at Roosevelt University. Examples include guest privileges, network access, email access, facility access, etc.

Housing Reassignment - There are situations that call for an immediate housing reassignment and/or due to misconduct in a particular space a student will be relocated to promote an environment in which the student is able to succeed.

Probation of housing contract - Probation of housing contract requires that a student’s conduct be reviewed and evaluated for a designated period of time. If during this period, the student is found to be in violation of any University policy, additional, more severe actions may be applied, including but not limited to cancellation of their housing contract.

Termination of housing contract - Termination of housing contract requires a student to move out of the residence hall permanently. Once their move is complete they are unable to return to the residence hall to enter or reside.

University Disciplinary Probation – University Disciplinary Probation is a time assigned to allow students to reflect on their actions and demonstrate, in future behavior, an understanding and ability to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. A student on disciplinary probation is not in good standing with the University.

Suspension from the University, a program or activity for a specific period of time - Suspension is a duration of time in which a student will be separated from the University and unable to enroll and register for class until a minimum of a full semester has passed. During this time students no longer possess the privileges of an enrolled student and should not be found on University property or in attendance at University events. Re-enrollment parameters may be set by the hearing officer and clearly outlined and stated in the sanction description.

Expulsion from the University, a program or activity on a permanent basis - Expulsion is the most serious action and means there is permanent dismissal from the University. Expulsion includes all rights and privileges afforded as a student as well as degree(s) conferred by the institution. Any student expelled from the university may not be on campus premises unless pre-approved and in writing by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

Group Disciplinary Sanctions

Group Deactivation - Termination of the organization’s recognition by the University. This action is total separation of the group from the University. This includes total restriction on the organization and its members’ or supporters’ conducting any activity on the campus(es) of the University or at off-campus University associated events that in any way promote the goals, purposes, identity, programs, membership or activities of the organization.

Group Suspension - Group suspension means total separation from the University as an organization for a specified period of time. This includes total restriction on the organization and its members or supporters conducting any activity on the campus of the University or at off campus events, affiliated with the University, that promote the goals, purposes, identity, programs, membership or activities of the organization.

Group Probation - A status imposed on a student group or organization for a specific period of time to allow the group to reflect on its choices and behavior and to demonstrate the ability to abide by University policies and procedures. Any policy violations committed during this time may result in additional or more serious sanction, including deactivation or group suspension.

Group Formal Warning - Formal notice and censure that a student’s group or organization violated a University policy, that such actions are not acceptable in our community, and that future violation may result in more serious disciplinary action.

Educational Sanction - an event, workshop, special project, or community service hours. The purpose of this sanction is to provide the student group or organization with an experience in which they can reflect on their actions, identity the harm or potential harm caused to themselves and/or community, and explore how they could identify alternative behaviors, in line with the Code of Conduct(s), in the future.

Financial Restitution - Restitution is monetary compensation required of students who have taken, misused, damaged, or destroyed University, public or private property or services. Amounts charged to the organization/groups may include cost of repair, replace, recover, clean or otherwise account for the property or services affected.

Loss/Restricted Privileges or Activities - The withdrawal of the use of services or privileges, including but not limited to (SAFAC Funding, room reservations, etc.), as a student group or organization or the loss of the privilege to participate in an activity or event.

Please note more than one sanction can be assigned to a student found Responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct. In addition to the discipline listed above, violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in criminal charges or civil complaints being filed. A violation of academic integrity may result in academic penalties or sanctions in addition to University Sanctions.

Appeal Processes

If a student is found responsible for a violating a code of conduct in the student misconduct process, they have the right to appeal based on the following criteria:

New evidence can be submitted that was not available at the original Formal Misconduct Hearing and would substantially change the outcome

The sanction(s) are thought to be disproportionate to the violation(s)

The conduct process as described was not followed

The student has seven (7) calendar days from the delivery of the decision and sanction to file an Appeal Form. The appeal should include a detailed description of why the appeal should be allowed based upon one or more of the criteria above. The original finding and any assigned sanction will stand during the appeal process.

All appeals will be sent to Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for review. Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will assign an appeal officer to oversee the appeal process. This appeal officer may deny the request for an appeal if at least one of the criteria above is not met; if this is the case it will be communicated in writing. If an appeal is granted, the appeal officer will communicate this in writing. The appeal officer may use her/his discretion to resolve the appeal based solely upon the written documents from the Formal Misconduct Hearing and Appeal Form, or whether she/he would like to meet with only the student found in violation, only the reporting person, both parties of the incident, or witnesses. Upon completion of the appeal review, the appeal officer may make any of the following decisions:

Uphold the original decision and sanction(s)

Overturn the original decision; remove or reduce any sanction(s)

Assign additional sanctions up to and including dismissal from the University

The appeal process is not available to students found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct if they failed to participate in the initial conference, Administrative Formal Misconduct Hearing, or Student Conduct Board Hearing.

Student Conduct Board

The purpose of the SCB is to create a peer led body that will be empowered to resolve cases of alleged violations of the University Rules of Student Conduct which are listed in the Roosevelt University Student Handbook. SCB hearings will consist of three members drawn from the pool of eligible student board members. Upon review of a case, the board makes a determination as to whether or not a policy violation has occurred and decides what, if any sanctions are to be imposed. Sanctions range from a Disciplinary Warning up to and including Expulsion from the University

Eligibility Criteria

In order to serve as a member of the University Student Conduct Board you must be:

A currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student in good conduct standing with the University

You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in order to be eligible to apply

Applicants must abide by the University Student Code of Conduct, and all other policies as outlined by Roosevelt University in the Student Handbook.

You must be have the ability to work with others, demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for others, have an openness to differences, a strong sense of impartiality and objectivity, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all conduct information

Student Conduct Board Member Expectations

The following are expectations required to remain in good standing as a Student Conduct Board Member. These are subject to change at the discretion of Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Review confidential materials thoroughly and prepare open-­‐ended questions to beasked during the hearing.

Approach each case with the perspective that the charged student has done nothing wrong, unless you are persuaded otherwise by the information presented during the hearing.

Engage in meaningful and constructive discussion regarding the facts of the case when the hearing has concluded.

Be creative, thoughtful and constructive in your assignments of educational outcomes.

Remain mindful of your peer role as well as the educational function and mission of the University.

Apply To Become A Member Of The Student Conduct Board

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you’re interested in applying please e-mail osrr@roosevelt.edu for additional details.

Frequently Asked Questions and Definitions

Frequently Asked Questions

I received an initial conference notification letter. What should I do next?

Upon receipt of the initial conference email to your Roosevelt.edu account, you have 3 business days to respond to the case manager who sent the email. At this point, you should email your case manager back to set up a meeting. In the initial conference meeting you will be informed about the student conduct process, informed of your rights as a student in the process, and be given information about the incident for which you have been cited.

How should I prepare for my formal misconduct hearing?

The formal misconduct hearing is your opportunity to share your version of events with the case manager. It may be helpful for you to write down important notes that you want to share with your case manager, so that you feel prepared for the meeting. You should also gather any witness statements from individuals who were present during the incident and can corroborate your version of events. You also have the right to bring an adviser to the hearing. However, if you would like to bring an adviser you must give your case manager 72 hour notice. Please note that the adviser may not participate in the meeting by answering questions on your behalf. Their responsibility while in the meeting is to advise and support you in the hearing.

Do I have to sign the waiver of notice for the formal misconduct hearing?

Signing the waiver of notice is completely up to you. If you choose to sign the waiver, you can move directly from the initial conference to the formal misconduct hearing without waiting the required three (3) business days. If you choose to not sign the waiver, your hearing can not be held in less than three (3) business days from the conclusion of the initial conference.

Will my parents be notified of the outcome of this case?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was executed in 1974 to protect the privacy of education records and to establish the rights of students to inspect and review their educational records.

Roosevelt University students have the right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. In the student conduct context Roosevelt may disclose student conduct information to parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state or local law, or of any rule or policy of Roosevelt University governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the University determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21.

Can I be found responsible for violating a policy if the incident occurred off campus?

The Student Code of Conduct governs all students who are registered at Roosevelt University at all campus locations, including online, and applies to both on-campus and off-campus conduct. In particular, off-campus behaviors that may impact the University or education environment in any way fall under the authority and scope of the Student Code of Conduct.

What if I don't agree with the outcome of my hearing?

Once you receive an outcome notification letter from your case manager, you have the option to appeal if you disagree with the decision. There are three grounds on which an appeal will be granted.

New evidence can be submitted that was not available at the time of the formal misconduct hearing;

The sanction(s) are thought to be disproportionate to the violation(s);

The conduct process as described in the student handbook was not followed.

You then have seven (7) calendar days from the delivery of the decision and sanction letter to file an appeal form.

How long do I have to complete my sanction?

In your formal misconduct hearing outcome letter the details of your sanction(s) will be outlined. This letter will describe your sanction, the necessary method for completion and its submission date. If you have any additional questions or concerns about the sanctioning deadline you should contact your case manager directly.

How long will I have a disciplinary file?

Roosevelt University maintains its student conduct files for 7 years after separation with the University. If you are suspended or expelled from the University, it will become a permanent part of your student file which remains with Roosevelt indefinitely.

Definitions

Advisor - a person who may accompany a respondent to their meetings and hearings with the case manager. The advisor’s role is to provide a comforting and familiar presence for the individual(s) involved. Advisors may assist students in decision making and understanding of policy and processes, but are not able to represent the student in aforementioned meetings.

Allegation - a claim or assertion that someone violated university policy.

Determination - the decision or final outcome of an incident determined by the preponderance of the evidence standard.

Fact Finding - the collection of information by the case manager to gain an understanding of behavior, actions, and conversation that occurred during the incident in question. This includes but is not limited to the incident report, respondents statements, witness’ statements, etc.

Incident Report - formal complaint received by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities from a Roosevelt University community member alleging student misconduct.

Preponderance of the Evidence - the standard of evidence use to determine a respondent’s level of responsibility in an incident. This standard of proof is defined as “more likely than not”, 50% plus one.

Respondent - the student alleged to have violated the Student Code of Conduct.

Retaliation - action taken by or on behalf of a person or group against another person or group in response to someone reporting an incident to the University or participates in the conduct process.

Sanction - an educational, developmental, or deterrent measure assigned to a respondent found responsible for an allegation in the conduct process. Sanctions are not optional; failure to complete sanctions may result in additional disciplinary action.

Student Conduct Board - a peer to peer adjudicative student group selected and trained by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities to hear and resolve cases of alleged misconduct.

Student Rights - the rights students receive during the Misconduct Resolution Process and during all interactions with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The following rights are communicated to students during the Initial Conference.

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